Absolut Vanilia bottle beside two coupe glasses with lemon slices on a cork table

Party Cocktails
PERFECT for any party

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

If you’re throwing a party, we probably don’t need to tell you that your choice of drinks is pretty (read: very!) important. But where to start?

A great place to begin is choosing drinks that are quick and easy to make, so you can spend more time partying and being with your friends. So, with that in mind, we’ve assembled a list of party cocktails, divided into four different categories with two drinks in each.

Ready to get this party started? Grab your shaker and your party hat and let’s do this!

PUNCH COCKTAILS

First thing’s first, there’s no better way to kick off your party than with a big bowl of punch. Making punch is a genius move because it saves time, sets the tone right from the start and ensures everyone has a glass in hand without waiting.

Absolut Mandrin Punch
When you think of the word Punch and what flavors come to mind, the Absolut Mandrin Punch nails it. It mixes Absolut Mandrin (Mandarin-Flavored Vodka), Ginger Ale, and Pineapple Juice, and is then garnished with both a Lemon Wedge and a Lime Wedge.

The citrusy Mandarin flavor blends perfectly with the sweet tang of Pineapple Juice and the fizzy, spiciness from the Ginger Ale. It really is like a party for your taste buds!

To make a batch and serve it a punch bowl, use “parts” to mix it. Check out our article where we explain cocktail parts and how to use them.

To make the Absolut Mandrin Punch with enough for all your guests, mix 1 ½ Parts Absolut Mandrin, 1 ½ Parts Pineapple Juice and 2 ½ Parts Ginger Ale. Easy to make and guaranteed to please!

Here’s how to make an Absolut Mandrin Punch.

Sangria
This Spanish Wine Punch is the ultimate party starter and one that’s loved all over the word. Serve your Sangria in a Punch Bowl with a Ladle and you’ve set the stage for a fantastic party ahead.

So, what are the ingredients in Sangria? Well, that depends on who you ask! While everyone agrees that Red Wine and fruit are essential, the specific ingredients, including the spices vary wildly from recipe-to-recipe, person-to-person.

“You may tell me ‘I put this in my Sangria’ or ‘You shouldn’t put this in your Sangria,’ but you know what? You’re right. Your Sangria is your Sangria,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

Whatever you decide to include in your Sangria, we think it should be fruity, simultaneously sweet, rich, and slightly tart but, overall, well-balanced. Check out our Sangria cocktail recipe.

WATCH RICO SHOW YOU HOW TO MAKE RED SANGRIA & WHITE SANGRIA

CLASSIC COCKTAILS

Now, if you’re hosting a cocktail party, it’s likely you’ll want to add a touch of sophistication. Here are a couple of classic cocktails to bring an air of elegance to any event.

Dry Martini
If you really want to impress your guests and create a mood of sheer refinement, then you can’t beat a Dry Martini.

Made with Gin and a hint of Dry Vermouth, the Dry Martini stands as a timeless icon of elegance in the world of cocktails.

What makes the perfect Dry Martini? Personal preference. “You like your Martini how you like your Martini,” explains Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan – Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador. Garnish with a Lemon Twist or a Green Olive or, better still, allow your guests to decide. Here’s how to make a classic Dry Martini.

Cosmopolitan
If you’ve ever asked someone, “What’s the best drink to drink at parties?” there’s a good chance they answered, “The Cosmopolitan.”

Adored worldwide, the Cosmo is one of the most iconic cocktails of recent decades. Made with Absolut Citron (Lemon-Flavored Vodka), Cranberry Juice, Triple Sec, and Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, it’s tart, zesty, bright with just the right amount of sweetness thanks to the Triple Sec.

The Cosmopolitan is just one of those perfect drinks and works well at any occasion. Make your next party one to remember with the Cosmopolitan. Discover how to make a classic Cosmopolitan with our cocktail recipe.

RICO SHOWS YOU HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT COSMOPOLITAN

CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS

Let’s not forget the bubbles! No party is complete without Champagne, and below we’ve got a couple of delicious, bubbly drinks guaranteed to dazzle and impress.

Mimosa
The Mimosa is a classic cocktail that has been the beloved star of weekend brunches for decades. But it isn’t just confined to lazy Sunday brunches. It works for any occasion where you want to add a little sparkle, including cocktail parties and as a welcome drink at any event.

Made with just two ingredients – Champagne and Orange Juice – the Mimosa might be simple to make but served in a Champagne Glass, it’s also undeniably sophisticated. Read our tips on how to make the perfect Mimosa.

French 75
Also known as a 75 Cocktail or a Soixante Quinze (Seventy-Five) in French, the French 75 is elegant and one of those drinks that’s perfect for any fancy soirée at home.

The classic cocktail dates back to the 1920s although similar concoctions date as far back as the 19th century. And what does it taste like? “There’s the clean, crisp taste of Gin, highlighted by some beautiful Champagne, balanced out with some Lemon and Sugar,” shares Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan – Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

Simply put, if you want to impress your guests, serving a French 75 is one way to do it. Discover our recipe for the French 75 cocktail.

WATCH RICO MAKE A CLASSIC FRENCH 75

PARTY SHOTS

What would a party be without a shot or two? Shots make a great after-dinner treat, and below you’ll find a couple of incredibly delicious yet easy-to-make shots that you and your guests will love.

Absolut Pear Drop
It’s the shot you never knew existed but we’re confident it’ll be a staple from here on out. First, there’s Absolut Pears, a Pear-Flavored Vodka with the flavor of soft, Poached Pears, spiced up with mouthwatering hints of Vanilla and Butterscotch.

Mixed with Fresh Pressed Lemon Juice, a hint of Simple Syrup and you’ve suddenly got a shot that explodes with sweet and tangy goodness.

Drop this shot at your next party, and you’ll have your guests talking about it long after. Here’s how to make the Absolut Pear Drop shot.

Lemon Drop Shot
Lively, sweet and zesty, the Lemon Drop Shot is arguably the ultimate shot to serve on a tray at parties.

A cousin of the Lemon Drop Martini, it combines the smooth Lemon-Flavor of Absolut Citron with Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice and is then sweetened out with its Sugar-coated Shot Glass.

Bursting with bright citrus flavors, there’s a shot of sunshine in every Lemon Drop. Discover our recipe for the Lemon Drop Shot.